In the Cooperative Education (Co-op) model, students alternate semesters of academic study with terms of full-time (paid) employment related to their academic and career goals. A Co-op participant can gain up to a year of career experience before graduating. Students start with workshops that prepare them to successfully apply for and secure a Co-op position, along with preparing them for the Co-op experience itself. Co-ops typically happen during an extended junior year. To see which majors have Co-op opportunites, visit the How to Apply page.

Students will have a network of support to prepare for and get the most from Co-ops, including a Faculty Co-op Advisor and a Co-op Coordinator. Coordinators guide students through the Co-op process and help identify various positions that best match student skills and interests. Advisors support the development of learning objectives, meeting with students and on-site supervisors throughout Co-ops.

Both during and after completing a Co-op assignment, students reflect on their experience. Once back to school, each Co-op cohort participates in a Co-op Showcase where students share about their Co-op experience with fellow Co-op participants, faculty, industry partners, and students. The reflection process also includes a Pre and Post Survey completed by both student and site supervisor.